Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant made NBA history on Thursday. The former MVP dropped 40 points in leading his team to a 113-108 come-from-behind win over the Orlando Magic. Durant (431) moves into a tie with the late legendary Kobe Bryant for No. 5 on the list of players with 30-point games.
KD scored his 31st point midway through the fourth quarter to tie Bryant in fifth place. Appropriately enough, he drilled a 9-foot jumper to make history.
While Durant will likely end the season at No. 4, he has some catching up to do to break into the top 3.
Top 5 in NBA History With Most 30-Point Games
#5. Kobe Bryant/Kevin Durant
Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant have 431 career 30-point games. While Bryant will remain two ahead of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the list, Durant will have his opportunities to move up the ladder.
The five-time NBA champ averaged 36.9 points per game during his streak, while Durant is putting up 34.9 ppg.
#4. Karl Malone
Karl Malone is one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. The “Mailman” has 435 games with at least 30 points. Only Malone and Dominique Wilkins are without a championship on this list.
If Durant stays healthy, it might not be long before he overtakes Malone.
#3. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain, arguably the most devastating scorer in NBA history, is third on the list with 516 career 30-point games. Chamberlain averaged 42.3 ppg during his run, easily the best in this group.
“Wilt the Stilt” holds the record for most 40-point games, with 271.
#2. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan, a ten-time scoring champ, is second in NBA history with 562 career games with at least 30 points. The Chicago Bulls legend averaged 37.5 ppg during that stretch.
Jordan is also second behind Chamberlain with 173 40-point games.
#1. LeBron James
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer is in pole position on this list with 575 career 30-point games. LeBron James has averaged 35.0 ppg during his streak. The LA Lakers superstar could still add to his tally before this season is over.
Durant has his work cut out for him in trying to chase down the former MVP for the No. 1 spot.
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